Michelle Lugones, DVM and veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, told Bored Panda that categorizing normal growth in a puppy can be a challenge because there are so many differences among breeds. "There are, however, some general stages we can refer to when it comes to puppy development. First is the neonatal stage which is from birth to 2 weeks old. At this stage, a puppy is completely dependent on its mother for all aspects of its care. Its eyes aren't open yet and it begins to crawl slowly," Lugones explained. 

"From about 2-4 weeks old a puppy is in the transitional stage of puppy development. Its eyes open and the rest of its senses really start to blossom. The baby teeth erupt, and a puppy begins to walk and bark. By 4 weeks old most puppies can go to the bathroom without their mother having to stimulate them. Puppies also start to be weaned from their mother's milk at this age."

Between 3-8 weeks of age, a puppy begins to understand the value of its pack—it learns the importance of social structure by interacting and playing with littermates and taking direction from its mother. "During this stage of development, a puppy's fear threshold is fairly high so they may appear to not be afraid of anything," Lugones explained. "As the puppy reaches 6-8 weeks old the pet owner can start to gently expose the puppy to more stimuli in the environment, play, and train with them as long as the puppy is not fearful. This should be done under the supervision of the mother. It's important that the puppy isn't permanently separated from the litter or mother during this time."

When the puppy is between 2-3 months of age, it begins to experience fear so it's important that pet owners try to make its little adventures as positive as possible. During this time, a puppy also becomes more physically coordinated.

"Between 3-6 months old a puppy should continue to be socialized, but in a controlled, safe way such as puppy training class where all the puppies are healthy and at the same stage of vaccinations to minimize the chance of contracting a disease," Lugones pointed out. "Adult teeth start to erupt so providing safe, appropriate chew toys is essential."

By 6-12 months of age, a puppy is in its adolescence, so it may be more rambunctious, and safe training and exploration should be encouraged.

"Just like human babies, puppies need special care as they grow to make sure they stay healthy as their immune systems mature," Lugones said. "It's vital to bring your puppy to your family veterinarian as soon as you adopt them to come up with vaccination and deworming plan, to discuss the best ways to socialize and bond with your growing puppy, and to plan when to spay or neuter."

"Puppies need a handful of visits to their veterinarian to make sure they are developing normally and that they are protected from serious diseases. Putting in the effort to address their mental and physical health from day one is well worth it so your puppy grows into a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted part of the family."

Best Friend Animal Society recognizes that Valentine’s Day is hard enough for singles, but with COVID-19 and quarantining, finding a date for the big day isn't just difficult, it's downright dangerous. But if you have a pet at home, all is not lost.

Unlike a high-maintenance human date, your pet is also happy to do free or low-cost activities. And when you look at these puppy photos (or any photo of your own pet, for that matter), don't you just want to shower your own companion with love and attention?

"Valentine’s Day is all about love, and the best way to show our cats love is by helping them feel like the wild cat they were born to be. Get out a wand toy and help them hunt and catch the dangling prey on the end. Your cat will love you forever for that," Samantha Bell, cat expert for Best Friends Animal Society, told Bored Panda in a statement. "After feeling satisfied with themselves from the hunt, they’ll be ready for cuddle-time."

Dogs, on the other hand, bring something a little different to the table, according to Marissa Sunny, CPDT-KA and senior dog lifesaving specialist at Best Friends Animal Society. 

"Dogs are the best dates ever. There is no need to get all dressed up because they love you unconditionally and are the best cuddlers," Sunny explained. "Just keep in mind your dog’s energy and tolerance level for certain activities. Ask yourself, 'What would my dog's perfect date be?'"

With that in mind, below you will find 14 ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with your pet, compiled exclusively by Best Friends.

Karaoke: Too shy to sing for your human friends? Here’s a chance to be a pop star with a built-in devoted audience! Bonus, no Simon Cowell-like critique!

Remote roulette: If you can't figure out what to watch from the thousands of options, put the remote under your pet’s paws and watch whatever comes up.

Spa day: A relaxing bath, blow-dry, and mani/pedi sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Recreate that experience for yourself and then do the same for your dog with some leisurely grooming time. Since most cats don’t like water, try a gentle brushing session instead.

Picnic: Take your leashed and harnessed travel-friendly dog or cat down to the local park, lake, or beach for a little fresh air and an alfresco meal with healthy treats for both of you.

Scenic ride: If those four walls are closing in on you, leash up your dog or crate your travel-friendly cat for a drive to somewhere beautiful. A change of scenery will do everyone good. Don’t forget to post a selfie to share with your nature-deprived friends!

Wine with art: Pull out your art supplies and pour a glass of vino to unleash your inner Picasso. Pets can have unexpected talents, too - just check out this video to get them started on a masterpiece.

Pet Project Runway: If you’re good with a needle and thread, how about creating something spectacular for your fashion-forward pooch? Dogs who love clothes will really enjoy wearing something made just for them by their favorite person. Capture the fun on social media to make your friends smile, too – and for added fun, tag Tim Gunn.

Dance party: Nothing gets the heart pumping and endorphins flowing like a good boogie. Select your favorite tunes and invite your dog or cat to join in the festivities.

Concert for two: Whether you’re a beginner or advanced musician, there won’t be any traditional opportunities to play with other people for a while. So why not take out that instrument and play a ditty for your pet? (You can also Google your favorite band to see if there are any new concerts online to watch together).

Baking treats: Don’t fret over missed chocolates. Make yourself something to satisfy that sweet tooth and a healthy something extra for your pooch, too, with special recipes just for them.

Pet-themed movie marathon: Instead of watching sappy human love stories, reimagine Valentine’s Day pet-flix for a night of binge-watching that both of you can relate to.

Yoga class: Who doesn’t need a little Zen right about now? Check out YouTube for yoga classes, lay out your mat, and do some downward dog with your dog or cat.

Make a playlist: From “What’s New Pussycat?” to “Who Let the Dogs Out?” there are dozens of songs to create a fun soundtrack to share with your pet. Bring it along on your next drive together to really set the tone!

Read a good book: The perfect (or purrfect) introvert experience that can be easily shared on a couch or a bed with lots of pillows, blankets, and your four-legged buddy by your side. Top picks: “Total Cat Mojo” and “The Art of the Racing in the Rain.”

However, if you don't have a pet, things get a little bit trickier. But maybe now is a great time to adopt? You should not rush into it, but there are dogs and cats of all ages, sizes, and personalities just waiting for Cupid to connect them with their new human. To get started, visit Best Friends and find a shelter or rescue near you.

Then—who knows. Maybe a couple of years later, your pet will end up in a similar Bored Panda list as well!